Northland Lifestyle October 2014

Northland

october 2014

NorthlandLifestyle.com

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Editor's Letter

Finding My Game Dear Readers, If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I am not the world’s biggest sports fan. I am, in general, missing the gene that ties me emotionally to any one sport. Sure, I will cheer when everyone else does and I love eating junk food for a cause, but up until recently, I couldn’t claim to be a fan of anything.

I’m not sure what changed. Maybe it was my male co-workers bantering back and forth about English Premier League. Maybe it was feeling the energy at my first game at Sporting Park. Maybe it was the excitement of seeing a Kansas City team go all the way. I don’t know but last year, I fell in love with soccer.

I remember watching the MLS championship game at home. Mere minutes from the end, I had to drive to an appointment. That, my friends, was the first time my car radio had ever been tuned to AM stations. The energy in the room when I made it for the last penalty kicks was electric.

It only got worse as we approached World Cup. I found myself on the couch, writing and working, with the FIFA channel on in the background. I occasionally ‘commented’, nay, screamed at the television when my teams were doing poorly. (Spain, I’m looking at you.) And most of all, I made several trips out to watch the game at pubs and restaurants, to feel the energy of thousands of people all hoping against hope that America would win.

october 2014 editor Rachel C. Murphy | RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

sales director Michael Arel | MArel@LifestylePubs.com

advertising sales Annie Jennings | AJennings@LifestylePubs.com Chris Goff | CGoff@LifestylePubs.com

contributing writers Lisa Allen, Pete Dulin, Jennifer Higgins, Kenneth Keiser, Peggy Parolin, Tracy Sullivan, Tom Strongman, Ryan Rosser, and Anne Potter Russ

contributing photographers Roy Inman, Kenneth Keiser, Lani Odell, Joel Schneider, IShouldBSigned Studios

Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting NorthlandLifestyle.com

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry

Of course, we didn’t. Not technically at least. But for many people like myself, the past two years have been eye opening and have gained more American soccer fans than ever before. We may not know the game, but we know we like and want more of it.

As October rolls around and American football consumes all, I’m less critical of my friends with obsessions with it. Because maybe, just maybe, I’m starting to get what it means to be a fan. And I kind of like it.

chief financial officer | DeLand Shore production director | Christina Sandberg director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell

Cheer on,

it director | Randy Aufderheide

Rachel Murphy, Editor RMurphy@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™ Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

Sisters Kristine Courtney and Kathleen Smerchek took action to protect their health after the loss of their mother. Read more on page 38. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANI ODELL

ON THE COVER

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7373 West 107th Street Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | NorthlandLifestyle.com Northland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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October 2014

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Departments 10

Good Times

14

Around Town

18

Hot Spot

22

Locally Owned

24

Your Neighbor

28

Now Open

30 Giving Back 44 History 101 46 Page Turners 47

Animal Tracks

48 Field Trip 52

Style Wise

34 KC Bulldogs

54 Driver’s Notebook

56

Healthy Lifestyle

38 Choosing Life

58

What's Cooking?

59

Sold Properties

The weekend warriors fight on in the Central Plains Football League.

Twin sisters take preventative measures against breast cancer.

40 Platte County Celebrates 175 Years

60 Lifestyle Calendar

66 Parting Thoughts

County celebration lasts all year long.

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Good Times

Inaugural Charlie Parker Celebration The recent event recognized the legacy of Kansas City’s own Charlie Parker, one of the most influential saxophonists and jazz icons ever. During a 17-day period, several events, activities and musical performances honored the great jazz musician.

Photo by William Fambrough

Alice Jenkins and Robert Scagliotti at Café Trio.

Joe Cartwright and Molly Hammer at Green Lady Lounge.

Horace Washington and Gary Becker

Herman Mahri Trio at the Majestic Steak House.

Brad Votava Group playing at Zona Rosa.

Charlie Parker’s daughter, Kim Parker is interview ed at FOX 4.

Greg Carroll, Jon McGraw, Mayor Sly James, Pam Hider Johnson & Steve Hargrave

Students were immersed in the music of the jazz legend and composer Charlie Parker.

The Genius of Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was a roundtable discussion at the American Jazz Museum

Sax player Mike Herrera roams the atrium while entertaining guests.

Todd Wilkinson and the Goombahles help A stop on the Charlie Parker Historical Tour...

Historian Chuck Haddix led the tour including the kick off the celebration at the corner of 31st stop at Lincoln Cemetery, where Parker is buried. and Summit.

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

Good Times

Hope & All That Jazz

HopeLine from Verizon was a sponsor of this year’s Silver Anniversary of the event at the Muehlebach Hotel. Close to 600 guests were in attendance, raising over $434,000 for Hope House’s daily work to end the cycle of domestic violence in the community.

Hope and All That Jazz Co-Chair Dave Frantze and Hope Ballroom at The Muehlebach, decorated for House CEO MaryAnne Metheny, and Geri Frantze Hope and All That Jazz

Jon Otto, Honorable Jalilah Otto and United States Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II.

Elaine McCoy, David Ross, Jacqueline Clark, winners of a trip to Hawaii at the event’s live auction

Verizon Wireless District Manager James Estes and his wife

Event guests Cici Rojas and Oscar Monterroso

Kansas City area Verizon Wireless employees enjoyed Hope and All That Jazz with family and friends.

Retired Independence Mayor Barbara Potts recognized Barbara Potts Award winter Kerry Oliver, with help from Hope House Event Manager Stefanie Shanks and Hope House CEO MaryAnne Metheny 12

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

Retired Independence Mayor Barbara Potts and KMBC anchor and event Emcee Kris Ketz

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Around Town late Milk, Caramel Sea Salt Ice Cream, Chocolate Ice Cream, Honey Butter, Garlic Butter, Salted Butter and Unsalted Butter.

Each year the Missouri State Fair Dairy Products Competition welcomes dozens of submittals from numerous states including Missouri.

“We always look forward to the State Fair, it provides us an opportunity to share our products with folks from all over the state, not just those that are able to enjoy our milk daily,” says Barbara Shatto. “We are so excited to have received 1st Place recognition for our white milks, flavored milks, butters and ice cream as we strive to offer the best products available in each of our focus areas.”

TIFFANY ATHLETIC ZONE EXPANDS PROGRAMS

REDISCOVER CELEBRATES 45 YEARS WITH SPECIAL GUEST

Tiffany Athletic Zone (TAZ), is heading into the fall and has a full plate of indoor soccer for youth and adults, along with several tournaments planned. They are also planning an expansion of the specialty soccer training that is offered. After hosting two record number summer soccer camps run by Missouri Comets players Vahid Assadpour and Leo Gibson, TAZ is excited to expand its programs. More than 100 kids attended two different “Play Like a Pro” summer camps and are now signing up for the small group lessons offered at TAZ. TAZ is embarking on its 4th fall and winter season offering indoor soccer programs. Coming this fall, starting October 27th the first 8 game session of soccer leagues will start. Registration is now open, but closes October 10th so get online and register now. TAZ will also host a Thanksgiving weekend tourney for youth featuring an exciting adult component as well. Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, football and softball teams can also use TAZ and the Foutch Athletics Kansas City, KS facilities for practices. TAZ is located just north of Zona Rosa and can be contacted by emailing Info@ FoutchAthletics.com or 816.746.9100 ext. 221.

Save the date and plan to celebrate Rediscover’s 45th anniversary with an unforgettable night of musical magic on November 14 at the InterContinental Hotel on the Country Club Plaza. The 45th Celebration will provide vital funding to support ReDiscover’s many programs, which provide quality mental health and substance abuse services to more than 25,000 clients in need.

This special evening will feature a performance by actress and singer Jennifer Holliday. Holliday is a two time Grammy winner and is best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Effie White in Broadway’s Dreamgirls. Holliday will dazzle guests with her breathtaking voice and will share her personal story as one who is in recovery from clinical depression.

Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, cocktails and a live and silent auction. Individual tickets are $250. Tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities contact Allyson Summers at 816.347.3262. For more information visit RediscoverMH.org.

SHATTO MILK COMPANY WINS AT 2014 MISSOURI STATE FAIR Shatto Milk Company products stood out at this year’s Missouri State Fair. Eleven products from this small family dairy operation were awarded Blue (1st Place) Ribbons by the dairy products judging team. Those products include: Whole White Milk, 2% White Milk, Root Beer Milk, Strawberry Milk, Choco14

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

JUNIOR LEAGUE RAISES MORE THAN $550,000 DURING ITS 100TH YEAR The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, announced that it raised a total of more than $550,000 during 2013-2014, adding to the more than $15.7 million that it has already donated to Kansas City area community projects since the League’s inception.

“We are incredibly proud of all our volunteers who work tirelessly to make it possible for us to have this kind of impact on our community,” says Julie Randolph, JLKCMO president. “As we celebrate our successes from last year, we’re also looking ahead to the coming year, and how we can continue to better support our community partners through our fundraising efforts and commitment to voluntarism.”

Over the course of its 100-year history, the League has supported more than 350 community agencies and organizations both financially and through the donation of over 2.3 million volunteer hours. The 2014-2015 year will represent the culmination of Healthy U, the League’s Community Impact signature program designed to build a healthier Kansas City through a focus on children’s nutrition and fitness.

A large portion of the money raised each year by the League comes from its fundraisers, including Holiday Mart, the area’s longest-running holiday shopping event put on entirely through volunteer support. Now in its 27th year, Holiday Mart will take place October 16-19 at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City.

For more information about the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, including the organizations it supports, and how you can get involved, please visit JLKC.org.

PARK UNIVERSITY TO HOST SCREENINGS, DISCUSSIONS ON WORLD WAR I RELATED MOVIES Movies related to the 100th anniversary of World War I will be featured as part of a Movie Talk series at Park University. A series of seven movies will be shown during the 2014-15 academic year in the McCoy Meetin’ House on the University’s Parkville Campus starting at 7 p.m. Following each movie, which are free and open to the public, Park students majoring in history and English will lead a discussion of the film.

MOVIES TO BE FEATURED ARE:

• “Westfront 1918” — October 22 • “The Outskirts” — November 17 • “Joyeux Noel” — December 3 • “Grand Illusion” — February 18 • “Darling Lili” — March 18 • “Lawrence of Arabia” — April 8 The Movie Talk series is co-sponsored by Park University’s Zeta Omicron chapter of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society and the Alpha Eta Epsilon chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. For more information about the series, contact Tim Westcott, Ph.D., associate professor of history, at tim. westcott@park.edu or 816.584.6364.

HEARTLAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MOVES TO NEW OFFICE Heartland Habitat for Humanity, serving five counties in the Kansas City area, is excited to announce that it has moved into a new office.

The new office location is 155 South 18th Street, Suite 120 in Kansas City, Kans. It is located in the Kansas Professional Building, north of Prescott Plaza at 18th Street and I-70. Please visit the office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, volunteers are always needed in the administrative office and on the build sites. For more information, please call 913.342.3047.

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

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Around Town Sonrisa Salon and Day Spa Swirl Wine Bar and Shoppe The French Bee Bakery The National Golf Club Butcher-Thompson ReeceNichols Real Estate The Doug Owens’ Project Parkville Coffeehouse Smallcakes - A Cupcakery Em Chamas Brazilian Grill The Rusty Horse Tavern Luna Azteca Mexican Grill Parkville Presbyterian Church Wells Bank

Stone Canyon 20th Anniversary Stage 1:30 3:30 4:00-7:00 5:00 7:30

School of Rock Whiskey Benders Country Guitar Jam Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors & Autographs RetroActive (80’s Show) Landslide (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band)

Kids and family events begin at 10a.m.

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LOCAL FARE • LOCAL FLAVOR • LOCAL FLAIR

WESTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARTNERS WITH THE 92 HIGHWAY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES The Weston Chamber of Commerce and The 92 Hwy FCA is conducting a shoe collection drive now through October 31 to raise funds for community projects, scholarships, and campus, community, and coach/student ministry while benefiting micro enterprise ventures and children and families in developing nations and keeping old shoes out of local landfills. Individuals can help by donating unwanted used shoes (any shape, any size, any condition) at the Weston Chamber of Commerce, 526 Main Street, Weston, Missouri, 64098.

In the U.S. alone, approximately 630 million pairs of shoes are thrown away per year. The materials used to manufacture a pair of shoes are created from chemical compounds that will create health hazards if left to disintegrate openly or in landfills. By donating your unwanted shoes to the Weston Chamber of Commerce & The 92 Hwy FCA, your shoes are given a second chance to make a difference. All donated shoes will be redistributed to micro enterprise partners through Funds2Orgs and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start, maintain, and grow a unique business opportunity to feed, clothe and house their families.

For more information, contact Jennifer Toy at 816.640.2909 or westonmo@kc.rr.com or Ryan Campbell at 816.985.3519 or cambpellry34@gmail.com.

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

Celebrate the anticipation of the winter holiday season with the 2014 “Hanging of the Greens”, Kansas City’s ORIGINAL Homes of Note Tour at the Homes of Tiffany Greens!

The 40th Anniversary Tour sponsored by the Kansas City Symphony Guild will take place on November 12, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The Homes of Tiffany Greens is a quick jaunt north on I-29, Exit 10 for Tiffany Springs Parkway. Just follow the signs to the homes on tour and The Boutiques at the Tiffany Greens Clubhouse, 10400 N. St. Clair on your right. Your journey through this charming, natural setting starts with the Homes Tour. The homes of the Cremer, Beatty and Stitt-McGraw families will be decorated by local florists to usher in the holiday season. After viewing these fabulous homes and listening to holiday

music, jumpstart your holiday shopping at The Boutiques at the Tiffany Greens Clubhouse. Tickets are available in advance for $15 from Symphony Guild Members and the following locations in the Northland: Hen House Market (NW 64th St.); all Northland HyVee’s and Price Choppers. Tickets are $20 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Kansas City Symphony’s outreach programs and youth concerts. For further information, please go to KCSymphonyGuild.org

Did u get ACT scores back?

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NORTH KANSAS CITY HOSPITAL WELCOMES NEW LEADERS North Kansas City Hospital welcomes two newcomers to the staff. Paul Foelsch, Vice President, Chief Information Officer, provides vision, leadership, strategy, management and budget oversight to clinical and non-clinical information technology staff, hospital-wide. He oversees hospital computerized equipment, IT infrastructure and applications, business intelligence and various related IT functions. Prior to joining NKCH, Mr. Foelsch served as Chief Information Officer at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City.

Randee Gannon, Vice President, Marketing, directs the hospital’s external and internal strategic marketing and communications, community outreach programs and partnerships, physician relations and occupational health services. Additionally, she is part of the team that identifies opportunities to grow the hospital through business development initiatives. Ms. Gannon was previously Vice President of Client Services at Dobies Healthcare Group in Kansas City, MO.

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Hot Spot

Morning Day Café Wakes Up the Neighborhood LOCAL CAFÉ FILLS A NEED IN LIBERTY ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

H

ave you ever looked at a retail area and thought, “This town could really use a _________’? Such was the case with the rapidly reenergizing Historic Liberty Square. As new businesses open and the square comes back to life, the need for a quaint and quirky coffee shop and healthy

restaurant became apparent. Luckily, Morning Day Café has met that need.

The coffee shop and restaurant fills the left side of the enormous space left by Cork and Brew, located at 6 E Franklin Street.

The hole has been split into two restaurants and the space feels much more comfortable with a wall between Morning Day Café and Luigi’s Italian Restaurant.

Morning Day Café is a love letter to healthy eating, penned and staffed by Miranda Barchers, the owner, manager and occasional dishwasher. On any given day, you’ll find Barchers filling in any role, always with a smile and a question of how she can do better.

The focus of Morning Day Café is to not only providing a local watering hole, but also to be the place of note for people who want to take care of themselves. The menu

features not only free trade, but also direct trade coffee, from Mother Earth Coffee.

You’ll also find a list of flavored lattes, mixed coffees and even green smoothies to choose from. As a boring old black coffee drinker, I was pleased with the Mother Earth Dark Roast, which at $3 for all you can sip could keep me wired for days.

I’ve visited Morning Day Café twice now, and find myself increasingly enchanted each time. On my first visit, for a lunch meeting, I found myself in the midst of the lunch rush. You order at the counter here after looking at the full list of sandwiches, salads and bowls. Barchers recently rolled out a breakfast menu as well.

On my first visit, I tried The Boxer ($8).

Several bread options are available but the enthusiastic cashier recommended the telera roll and mentioned that all sandwiches on CONTINUED >

18

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

Breathe.

World-class cancer care is closer than you think.

A cancer diagnosis can take your breath away.

We’re here to give it back. At North Kansas City Hospital, you’ll find a state-of-the-art treatment center combined with compassionate, personal care. And now, we’ve partnered with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, the region’s only National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. So breathe. A new day of hope for cancer patients is here.

Where your care is personal. nkch.org/CancerCare ©2014 North Kansas City Hospital.

Hot Spot

(CONTINUED)

Every employee has been exceedingly friendly and helpful, bread were grilled Panini-style. You also have the option of using a lettuce wrap, so gluten-haters rejoice! You have plenty of options here. down to Barchers herself. She’s created a dining room that is The Boxer featured chicken, pepper jack cheese, avocado, sau- child friendly with chalkboards and board games at the ready. téed peppers and onions, spinach, tomato and siracha. The ca- Two couch areas offer a comfy place to chill for diners or cashier was right: the telera was soft and yielding, the veggies warm sual coffee sippers.

She’s also trying to give back from the very start. When you and flavorful and the whole sandwich came with a small side salad.

All in all it was satisfying without making me feel like a glutton. sign your credit card slip, a tip option is available. Instead of splitting tips amongst her able staff, all tips are donated to the In fact, I felt downright virtuous.

On my second visit, I came for the breakfast fare. On a cool Sep- charity of the month. Barchers says that she’s planning on lettember day, I ordered the breakfast burrito ($8) filled with quinoa, ting customers vote on which charity to feature each month. At black beans, pepper jack, tomatoes and a fried egg with guacamole and this writing, Morning Day Café has raised more than $500 for greens on the side. It came with a handful of exquisitely sweet blueber- Family Promise of the Northland.

Barchers is also supporting the arts community with ries, the likes of which I haven’t tasted all summer. monthly art shows. September’s artist had alSitting on the secluded patio with a steamready sold three pieces in advance of the Seping cup of coffee felt like an oasis. The burrito, MORNING DAY CAFÉ tember 30 closing show. The next show will too, was grilled, giving the whole-wheat tortilla 6 E. Franklin St. be October 25 and will feature free drinks a nutty punch. I love quinoa and the substituLiberty, MO and small bites. tion for this instead of nutrient starved rice was HOURS: Morning Day Café is clearly a place where fantastic. My only complaint was the siracha.

Monday through Saturday real people are enjoying real food. It may not be While I love the spicy stuff, and the presenta6 a.m.-8 p.m. as fast as the drive-thru, but the feeling of calm tion was beautiful, drizzling the sauce on the Sunday 6 a.m.-3 p.m. you experience upon leaving is exactly what this outside of the tortilla made was should have thriving community needs. I’m bound to be a been a hand-held meal supremely messy. If it 816.883.8258 regular there, especially for crisp days on the were on the plate or inside, then it would have MorningDayCafe.com patio, steaming cup of coffee in hand. been much easier.

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Locally Owned

Spirit Shows From Boardroom to Ballfield ARTICLE PETE DULIN PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL AND PROVIDED

M

other and daughter Teresa and Sara Loar created a smart, sophisticated way to show their sports-driven spirit both in the boardroom and at the ballfield – team-colored pashmina scarves. Their company, Sophisticated Spirit, produces and sells scarves in a range of colors that represent college and national sporting teams.

The inspiration for this idea originated at a Kansas City Council meeting years ago. Teresa Loar, a Northlander and former council member for two terms, and former Mayor Kay Barnes wanted to support their favorite local sports teams on Red Friday and game days. Loar and multiple generations of her family were avid fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and college teams. However, sports jerseys and logo apparel wouldn’t work in a professional setting. The idea remained only an idea for a few years.

Then Loar spent two years in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a communications specialist for an engineering company on a USAID project. She met local seamstresses at the compound where she was based. The sports-themed scarves idea clicked into place. A business plan was quickly formulated with Loar’s daughter Sara.

Then Loar contracted with the women to produce scarves and then shipped them to Kansas City.

“Mom always wanted to do this and came up with the business idea,” says Sara, CEO of the company and University of Missouri alumnus. The mother-daughter team began building inventory. “The seamstresses started making scarves. Mom shipped nearly 5,000 scarves to me.”

Sophisticated Spirit launched as a web-based business in fall 2013, offering direct sales of the scarves in local team colors as well as custom options. Instock orders ship within 1-2 weeks but typically are sent within a couple days of order placement.

“We had strong sales that season as sports teams performed well,” Sara says.

“We also received lots of local press.”

After the holidays and football season ended, Teresa and Sara regrouped. Teresa 22

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

was again based in the U.S. They shifted production to seamstresses located in North Kansas City.

“With the unrest in the Middle East, it was impossible to work with the women in Afghanistan from a distance,” says Sara. “They have no resources or way to ship. Eventually, we would like to loop them back in and work with them. They were a key part of the initial business.”

Since the website’s debut and initial success, Midwest-based retail chain Von Maur discovered Sophisticated Spirit and contacted the company.

“They loved our scarves and wanted them to be part of their fall 2014 line,” says Sara. “We shipped our first retail order in July.

The scarves will be sold in 35 stores nationwide. It’s really taken our business to the next level.”

The Loars have also hired sales representatives in Kansas and in Dallas that cover an 11-state territory.

“Our scarves will be in stores all over. It’s been sort of a whirlwind. I feel lucky that things have happened this way,” says Sara.

Balancing sudden growth with a cautious pace has been vital to their success at this stage.

“Starting and owning a business from scratch is scary, but this is the dream,” Sara says. “The sky’s the limit. We’re thinking big.”

Future plans include an expansion of the team-colored line into men’s ties and women’s jewelry. The scarves ($34.99 retail) can still be ordered through SophisticatedSpirit.com in listed colors and custom orders can be placed.

Regarding Sophisticated Spirit’s success, Sara beams with pride and enthusiasm as a growing local business owner.

“We’re true Kansas Citians. I’ve lived in the Northland my whole life except for college. Mom’s represented the Northland on the city council,” Sara says. “The possibilities for Sophisticated Spirit are endless.

You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. I’ve never had so much fun.

It doesn’t feel like work.”

Now that’s the spirit.

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Northland’s Music Man NORTHLANDER PRESERVING THE JAZZ SCENE ARTICLE KENNETH L. KIESER | PHOTOGRAPHY KENNETH L. KIESER AND PROVIDED

J

azz and blues are an important part of Kansas City’s history and a cornerstone of our culture.

The world’s talented jazz musicians once traveled here to play in an area of our inner city where home-town saxophone great Charlie “Bird” Parker and other major icons of jazz performed to audiences including members of the Negro Baseball League teams visiting town to play the Monarchs.

Sadly, jazz lost popularity to rock and roll or other music venues and our amazing legacy was almost gone until 1989 when buildings were restored and the American Jazz Museum gave Kansas City a look into the past and future.

Young jazz students, the future of this unique music form, now have the chance to play at the museum’s world renowned Blue Room under the tutelage of Northlander Greg Carroll the American Jazz Museum’s chief executive officer, an accomplished percussionist and teacher who chose music early in life.

“My parents had a modest income and enrolled me in a piano 24

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

program in the Denver public school system,” Carroll says. “I loved the piano but observed my dad and Uncle Ford listening to jazz on the front stoop every Friday. I remember hearing Ella Fitzgerald singing ‘A Tisket, A Tasket,’ I was sold on jazz and playing the xylophone. I based my college degrees on teaching and playing music.”

Carroll’s degrees are in music education. He spent several years as a band director at George Washington High School in southeast Denver and started learning how to play other instruments.

He studied percussion as an undergrad at the University of Northern Colorado and did graduate work at the University of Colorado where he taught jazz studies three years.

“I was recruited by the University of Colorado to become the jazz studies director,” Carroll says. “My recruiter was my elementary band director, Dr. Willie Hill. Part of my negotiations included finishing my master’s degree while they paid for it.”

Carroll quickly received international recognition for his jazz programs at Colorado University. He eventually joined the International Association for Jazz Education as their Education Director, creating more world travel while introducing jazz to other cultures.

He partnered with European jazz festivals affording him the opportunity to hire top jazz artists to teach master classes in education workshops during festivals. The artists knew that Carroll was a jazz performer and he was constantly invited to join them on stage while playing shows in Canada, Switzerland, France and other exotic venues.

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Your Neighbor

(CONTINUED)

“One of my most memorable performances was at Taipei City Park, Taiwan’s version of New York’s Central Park,” Carroll says.“ I was brought in to be on their faculty for a summer jazz camp. I was teaching a jazz history course and how to play Batucada, the traditional samba music played by large percussion groups in Brazil. We did a concert with the school’s faculty including international jazz vocalist Debra Carter and several from other countries, a great international mix. Word spread and 10,000 came to this show.”

Carroll reminisces about playing with other jazz superstars like Clark Terry, one of the last living legends who played with Count Basie, Duke Ellington’s bands.

“Many of us have great reverence for those that paved the way for future jazz musicians,” Carroll says. “Gracing the stage with someone like Terry is being in the presence of royalty.”

Eventually an invitation to take the CEO position of The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City crossed Carroll’s desk. He joined his wife in prayer and soon decided that God deemed this his next step. The board of directors accepted his position and Kansas City gained a new chapter in an already rich jazz history.

“I quickly learned that this was a job with challenges,” Carroll says. “I had to find funding when the City was going through fund-

ing cuts and repair some relationships through the political environment. I have held this position seven years.”

Since holding the position, Carroll and company have managed to raise $11.5 million and have more than 400 jazz events annually. The museum has been recognized as a destination attraction by Kansas City. The Conventions Visitors Bureau of KC awarded the Kansas City 18th and Vine Jazz and Blues Festival with the Visitors Choice Award for the best music festival the past two years. But best of all, Carroll is still teaching the world a true definition of blues and jazz or to be more specific: “Blues is a style or derivative of Jazz,” Carroll says. “Jazz is centered on improvisation. You play the melody and then band members improvise or express themselves creatively then return to the melody. Blues is centered around the vocals or experience and less improvisation, although blues artists occasionally improvise.”

Kansas City’s Northland has definitely gained a world-class music man.

Kansas City’s 18th and Vine Jazz and Blues Festival will take place on October 11, 2014. Many top national acts will grace the stage at this annual event that draws large audiences. For more information, visit Festival.AmericanJazzMuseum.org.

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

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Performance Plus Rehab CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE ENCOURAGES SAFE SPORTING ARTICLE JENNIFER HIGGINS | PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL SCHNEIDER

P

erformance Plus Rehab has been a staple in the St. Joseph community since 1993 with chiropractic services, and they added physical therapy to their services in 1997. They staff two chiropractors, three physical therapist assistants, and two physical therapists. Now they’ve expanded down 1-29, opening a new branch in Platte City.

“It was a natural place for expansion for us,” says Dr. Allyn Smith. “Since it’s close to St. Joe, it’s easily staffed and manageable. I love the community and love the people of Platte City.

We offer chiropractic and physical therapy, as well as in home physical therapy. We don’t have a pool like the St. Joe office for therapy because of the nice YMCA in Platte City. It’s just a good fit for us in Platte City.”

Smith is the owner and clinic director for Performance Plus Rehab, who built his practice from scratch in 1993. He studied in Minnesota and Iowa, and knew he wanted to work in the Midwest, so he settled in the Kansas City area. The Platte City office is starting small with one chiropractor, one physical therapist, and one physical therapist assistant. As the fall sports seasons get started, Performance Plus Rehab has a plan in place for treating athletes.

“We treat all athletes and all injuries that come with sports.,” says Smith. “One main thing we focus on is preventative treatment.

Once you have an injury like a sprained ankle, it’s easy to do it again and again. We offer rehab services to strengthen and build to avoid recurring issues. We work with different teams to offer our services such as athletic taping. We have a very active staff, many participating in triathlons so taking care of athletes is important.”

28

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

With many chiropractic and physical therapy locations around, Performance Plus Rehab uses a different approach.

“One thing that sets us apart from other places are the individualized programs we offer,” says Smith. “They are more work, harder and more expensive to operate, but it’s really the way the go and is more effective. We may have 40 clients a day, but the time they spend with us is one on one, one patient at a time. Other places have individualized programs but they are generic plans.

With us, we develop a plan for you and you spend an hour with one of us, which is more effective use of your time.”

Chiropractic and physical therapy may go hand in hand in businesses, but they each have different roles in the clinic.

“With physical therapy, we treat many things: back and neck problems, herniated issues, balance problems, neurological issues, pre-and post surgery treatments and others,” explains Smith. “With chiropractic therapy, we try to limit to muscular and skeletal issues.”

One additional feature at the Platte City location is the option of purchasing medical supplies.

“We are also bringing to the Platte City office durable medical care, such as back braces, knee braces, diabetic shoes, etc.,” Smith says.

Performance Plus Rehab is located in the Kennedy Professional Building at 700 Branch Street, Suite 10 in Platte City. They accept most insurance carriers, including Medicare, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, UHC, UMR, Coventry, PHCS, Cigna, MultiPlan, Auto Insurance. They also provide financing through CareCredit. They are open Monday-Friday.

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29

Giving Back

Kick for Christ LEO GIBSON WON’T FORGET HIS ROOTS ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

L

iberia. Right now, the country’s name conjures up images of an epidemic as the ebola virus claims a rapidly growing number of lives. For Leo Gibson, Liberia will always bring back memories of childhood in a war torn country. As he has attained success on the field with the Missouri Comets, he hasn’t forgotten his roots. His organization, Kick for Christ, aims to minister to the kids back in Liberia.

Gibson is ministering to the kids of Liberia in the best way that he knows how: through soccer. It was the sport that allowed him to leave Liberia as a political refugee in 2002. After playing with the Monrovia Black Star youth team, he joined the King College soccer program in 2002.

Since then, he has worked his way up the ranks, signing with the Missouri Comets in 2010. In January 2013, he was named Defensive Player of the Month.

Although he has found success on the pitch, his heart stays focused on how his career can help others. A few years ago, he

founded Kick for Christ to try to minister to his countrymen more directly.

“It was a vision that I had in my quiet time. I was asking God how I could be a blessing to the people back home. That’s what it’s all about. I grew up during a 14-year civil war and because of that we had nothing. Soccer allowed me to come to America and start living my dream,” says Gibson.

The mission of Kick for Christ is to provide opportunity for children in Liberia and here at home. The organization collects gently used soccer cleats, clothing and equipment and takes it to Liberia. In March of this year, Gibson and five volunteers made a 21-day trip back to Liberia with 20 containers of CONTINUED >

30

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

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Giving Back

Patient of the Month For 12-year-old track-running, trumpet-playing, honor student Sydney C., getting braces at Burleson Orthodontics has been an easy and comfortable experience. Sydney and her family have been so happy with the service that her whole family has joined her in orthodontic treatment (excluding the family dog)!

Here is what Sydney and her mom have to say about Burleson Orthodontics and having braces...

1.) Why did you choose Burleson for your orthodontic provider?

We scheduled a complimentary consultation with Dr. Burleson for Sydney when she was 7 years old and in 2nd grade. She was upset because her fellow classmates were commenting on how her teeth were coming in crooked.

Dr. B educated us on the benefits of early orthodontic treatment and Sydney was excited to get braces!

2.) How has your experience with Burleson Orthodontics been?

Fabulous! Sydney is finishing up her second phase of treatment. I completed orthodontic treatment as well and soon Sydney’s sister, Molly Grace will be starting as well!

We currently live 3.5 hours away from the office and the staff always is eager to accommodate our needs! We are extremely impressed that Dr. B follows all of his patient’s cases even when he is away from the office.

3.) How has your new smile given you more confidence? (i.e. sports, singing, playing an instrument, other opportunities, etc) Look at Sydney’s smile! It is pure confidence! Recently, Sydney got her first instrument, a trumpet. At first she was nervous to play because of her braces but was encouraged by her music instructor and the Burleson Ortho staff and now she is confidently playing her trumpet.

4.) How did you feel about your smile before braces? How do you feel about them now?

Sydney has a contagious smile! We feel as a family that Dr. Burleson’s recommendation of early treatment helped Sydney from hiding her beautiful smile and shortened her time in braces overall. We tell all of our friends and family about Burleson Orthodontics!

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

(CONTINUED)

clothing equipment, including jerseys donated by Park University, Baker University and many more.

Kick for Christ is not just focused on Liberia. Locally, the organization offers low or no cost soccer practices for children that can’t afford to play club soccer.

“Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in America and it’s becoming very expensive. We provide opportunities where I coach inner city kids from Independence, up North, and Kansas and mentor them. We have Bible time and practices. We push the kids and mentor them and then put them in organized leagues.

That way they can have as much fun as the kids that can afford it,” says Gibson.

Kick for Christ works with the schools and the buses will drop them off on Wednesdays at the Comets’ practice field or on Tuesdays at the Tiffany Athletic Zone. Both facilities are donating the space to the organization.

Kick for Christ also sponsors and runs soccer camps at local churches where kids that might not have a relationship with church can be introduced in a friendly and fun way. They give the kids soccer balls and other soccer related gifts and try to remind the participants how lucky they are to be in the United States.

“People don’t realize how lucky they are to live here. Yes, you may be poor, but poverty here is nothing like poverty in Liberia.

We are blessed to live in this country,” says Gibson.

More and more people are joining Gibson’s cause. Until recently, the organization was a two-man show, with Gibson partnering with a former teammate, Worteh Sampson, who was doing similar work in Detroit. Recently, Children Lifetime Education Foundation joined forces with Kick for Christ. Their goal is to build a library in Liberia and Gibson is more than happy to lend his help to their goal.

Although most of the funding for the organization has come out of Gibson’s own pocket, more and more people are giving of their time and energy for Kick for Christ. In May, they held their first charity golf tournament hosted at the Tiffany Greens Golf Course.

The event raised money for both Kick for Christ and the Children Lifetime Education Foundation. He’s hoping to hold more largescale fundraisers and spread the reach of the organization.

“This is my way of serving God. I have been blessed by God. I was given soccer and this platform to help people,” says Gibson.

Through Kick for Christ, he’s doing just that.

KC Bulldogs Weekend Warriors Take the Field: Meet the Kansas City Bulldogs.

ARTICLE LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY ISHOULDBSIGNED STUDIOS 34

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

T

hey range in age from 18 to 44, and spend their weeks as fathers, husbands, students, computer programmers and customer service agents. They are managers and Army and Marine veterans. They’re also Bulldogs.

United by pure love of the game, these weekend warriors represent Kansas City in the Central Plains Football League. The semi-professional, recreational team formerly known as the Independence Bulldogs and the Independence Regulators, is entering its eighth year and is owned and coached by Gabriel Frank.

Gerald Greenfield, who has played running back for the past two seasons, says that he’s had a life-long love of the game, and understands football more than anything else in life. He plays not just for himself, but because he believes the team is together for the right reasons.

Louis Garry III plays defensive line and is looking forward to his fourth season. He says he plays because the 60 minutes he spends on the field is a time he can forget about the stresses of everyday life and focus on just one thing: the game.

“Football motivates me because for 60 minutes the world slows down. You know when you step on that field the world is watching, and there’s a thrill that comes when the fans cheer and the kids see you and you know that they look up to you,” he says.

Frank says the Bulldogs is currently transitioning to a traditional 11-man team from the current roster of eight. Players pay a nominal fee that helps cover field and event expenses, and as support for the team grows so do the perks. Frank has added busses for

away games, custom made uniforms and professionally painted helmets for the team.

Semi-professional ball, he says, is a unique mix of competition and friendship. He says his team strikes a good balance between a healthy desire to win and the realization that losing isn’t the worst thing that might happen. He says that, for the most part, everyone on the team becomes good friends and the relationships they build on the field extend to their families and their time together off the field.

“We encourage everyone to bring family and friends,” says Frank, “especially as we expand. The goal is just that everyone plays, and that’s why we’re all here. It’s the love of the game, not expectations that it will turn into anything more than this.”

“I choose to play for the Bulldogs because we’re more than a team. We are a family,” says Ken Davis, a two-year veteran and defensive lineman. “The guys that I take the field with week in and week out are my brothers. We tease each other, we fight and argue but that’s because we know what each and every one of us is capable of doing, and we don’t like to sell ourselves short.

Through it all, I know at the end of the day that my brothers, my family will stand by my side and fight with me and for me and that’s something you can’t find just anywhere.”

Frank played football at Northwest Missouri State and assumed that once he finished college, he’d never play again.

It was a friend of his wife’s who suggested he check out the Bulldogs, and he says he had so much fun his first year he decided to stick around.

The owner at the time then announced that he was moving, and the future of the team was uncertain. Unless someone stepped up to take care of the administrative tasks, the team would simply fold.

“I said I’d do it,” says Frank. “I thought it would be fun.”

Frank says one of the unique things about semi-pro ball, and this team in particular, is that everyone is encouraged to keep improving, both individually and as a team. He says that some of the guys may not have been star players in high school, so they didn’t develop to their full potential. Playing in a semi-professional league gives them the chance to really excel, without the pressure that is often attached to competitive play.

Garry says that he’s driven not just by his own objectives, but by being in a position to help his teammates achieve their own goals.

“My goal is to take my knowledge of football, which spans more than 15 years, and pass it on because where I came from, nobody had the knowledge I needed to excel,” says Frank. “I had to learn on my own, and then developed down the road.”

The teams practice twice per week and play games on Saturdays.

“It helps our relationships and our record that we play together more often than not,” says Frank, The season runs from March to June, with 10 regular season games. Last season, the Bulldogs CONTINUED >

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

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went undefeated in regular season play, and scored a total of 656 points. The team also won the 2013 Central Plains Football League Championship game against favored Southwest Missouri Voodoo, with a final score of 58-56.

The league includes 12 teams, located in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. The team travels as far as Kearney, Nebraska, to play but they most enjoy home games.

“We really strive to make this a community-friendly, family-oriented event,” says Frank. “We try to do things like having drill teams at half time, and just making it fun for those who come out to support us.”

Derreck Hill, a two-year veteran and wide receiver, says that it’s not just the camaraderie of the team that drives him; it’s also their shared goal to continually improve.

“This is what family feels like to me,” says Hill. “We

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This year, I want to finish with another championship. We all share the same attitude: never give up, never surrender.”

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Loss of Mother Compels Sisters to Take Charge of Their Health October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ARTICLE PEGGY PAROLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY LANI ODELL

K

ristine Courtney and Kathleen Smerchek are twin sisters who grew up sharing everything. Everything, including a predisposition for breast cancer.

Twenty-five years ago, Kristine and Kathleen lost their mother, Anna Dugger. They remember the day well, not only because of their mother’s untimely death, but also because it was one week after Kathleen’s wedding; two great reasons to celebrate, but one had a happier ending than the other.

“Mom attended Kathleen’s wedding in a wheel chair,” recalls Kristine. “The ceremony took place on Thanksgiving weekend. The newlyweds were barely out of town before they were called back.

Mom was dying.“ Kathleen and her husband, Mark, returned Thursday night; the twins’ mother passed away Friday morning.

The diagnosis of breast cancer came as a surprise for Dugger. She was 45 and in good health. Her only concern had been a lump she’d discovered. Her doctor assured her it was nothing to worry about. Not too long afterwards, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced with a choice of a lumpectomy or mastectomy; she chose the lumpectomy. Once again, she was reassured. “No need to worry, I got it all.”

Her doctor’s words after the surgery brought a short-lived peace of mind.

Two years later, during pre-op tests for follow-up surgery to the mastectomies on her second round of cancer, doctors found Dugger’s cancer had spread to her lungs and kidneys.

“Instead of being gone, the cancer had spread with a vengeance,” recalls Kristine. “At that point, there was nothing they could do.”

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

Three years after being told she had nothing to worry about, Anna Dugger died at the age of 48. Cancer has a legacy of interrupting health and at times, lives, in the Dugger family. Several aunts, in addition to Kathleen and Kristine’s mother, had suffered the diagnosis of breast cancer. Perhaps this contributed to the overwhelming concern shared by the sisters they too might someday receive a similar diagnosis.

Based upon family history and cytology results confirming the sisters shared the presence of irregular cells, their physician referred them to the Breast Cancer Prevention Center at KU, and Dr. Carol Fabian, a breast specialist. Thus began a decade and a half of experimental drugs, placebos and needle aspirations to examine volatile breast tissue.

Eventually, cancer began to catch up; the sisters’ concerns were becoming realities. At age 30, Kathleen underwent a lumpectomy that showed evidence of increased irregular cells in her breast tissue. Kristine’s numeric indicators continued to increase, with no hint of slowing down. At age 35, she gave in to a hysterectomy.

Doctors removed Kristine’s ovaries to decrease the amount of estrogen being produced. But, even after the surgery, indicators for cancer continued to flourish; four years later, Kathleen and Kristine decided it was time.

The twins chose to be proactive. They refused to take the chance the irregular cells might someday outnumber those cells tagged as regular. They needed no further proof regarding their genetic disposition towards breast cancer or any kind of cancer.

The gamble was too costly. Kristine and Kathleen well remembered the pain of losing their mother at an early age. With two children each, they were determined to outsmart breast cancer.

Their decision was a brave one and a final one. They decided to undergo double mastectomies to remove “at-risk” tissue and reduce their chance of developing breast cancer; they opted for prophylactic surgery.

Their surgeries were scheduled six months apart; Kathleen was 39; Kristine was 40. “We thought it was important we not do it at the same time,” says Kathleen. “We needed to be there for each other and also to help out with each other’s family.”

“Kathleen went through the procedure first,” reflects Kristine. “She tends to be the worrier. “ Kathleen agrees, “I was terrified to even do a breast self exam. What if I found something?”

“I’m not the worrying type,” admits Kristine. “I was never really worried except for once. Mom had not been gone that long after my son, Brandon, had been born. I found a lump in my breast and for the first time, I had a real fear that I might die.”

Husbands by their sides, children too young to really understand the risks and reasoning, the procedures occurred.

“My husband, Bill, knew my mom well,” says Kristine. “He saw what she went through and how it turned out. He wanted me here. There was no question about whether it was the right or best thing to do.”

Kathleen’s surgery went as planned, though it took a toll on her, both physically and emotionally.

“It was hard on both of us,” she recalls. “We both went through intense pain and bouts of depression. But, we knew Mom would have been thrilled that we did what we were supposed to do; we were proactive.”

Kristine underwent surgery twice. The first surgery was problematic; she was in constant pain throughout the healing process.

Implants were not an option. The second surgery involved rebuilding the breast tissue with flesh harvested from her abdomen.

She spent several days in ICU, but the procedure was successful.

“After we healed, we had zero pain. Life was normal, “ Kristine offers. “I won’t pretend it was easy, but it’s not a disability; it’s a relief.”

Kathleen is seven years out from the procedure; for Kristine, it’s been 1 year and 3 months since her flap procedure.

“By having the surgery, we went from being at 80% risk to about 5%. That’s something we can live with!” Kristine declares. “I now have peace of mind and a true sense I’ll never get breast cancer.”

Successful realtors on the Wolfe-Sweeney team at ReeceNichols-Parkville, the sisters agree their decision to have their breasts removed was more life saving than life changing.

“Now my concern is my daughter, Anna. Should she be tested?” wonders Kristine.

And though Kathleen has two sons, she realizes males, too, can develop breast cancer. “It’s something to be aware of, “ offers Kathleen. “No one knows your body like you do. Be proactive. It could save your life.”

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

39

in the Making PLATTE COUNTY CELEBRATES ITS 175TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A MAJOR FINALE.

ARTICLE PETE DULIN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

A

n anniversary is a way for observers to both note significance of the past and to declare, “Here we are.” Without such observances, history is a cloud passing overhead soon forgotten. Knowing what has transpired also strengthens important ties to a place.

In that spirit, Platte County has celebrated its 175th anniversary throughout this year with a series of events, culminating on October 26 with a visual arts exhibition and major concert finale.

The Platte City Friends of the Arts, an anniversary planning committee, and the Chamber of Commerce have planned throughout the year for the final event. During intermission at the upcoming free exhibition and concert, a Platte Purchase historical marker will be unveiled followed by servings of anniversary cake for guests.

“Everyone should know and appreciate that place they call ‘home,’” says Pat Medill, chairman of Platte County’s 175th Anniversary Committee. “If that place is as culturally diverse as Platte County is, they should not miss this historical and educational entertainment of 175 years of Platte County history.

“The Finale will provide an opportunity to experience a sampling of all of the year’s commemorative events,” Medill continues. “These events provided awareness of what a rich and culturally diverse county that Platte County was and how it has evolved into the place it is today.”

The Finale concert will feature the Platte County Anniversary Band, comprised of both Parkville and Platte City community bands. The band will perform a concert program of work from all Missouri composers. The event will also feature the premiere of a commissioned work by Platte County native composer Michael E. Anderson to commemorate the anniversary.

Anderson is writing a new work for the symphonic band and a narrator. Key themes –agriculture, the river, grassroots, the county fair’s role as an exchange of ideas and advancement of agriculture – tie Platte’s history together through the years.

“The work is both a reaction to and a reflection on Platte County’s 175 years. I chose to absorb the “essence” of Platte’s grassroots history the best I could and write something that conveyed that,” Anderson says.

Community leaders and organizations have commemorated this anniversary in other unique ways. Earlier this year, the county designated the paw paw tree as the official Platte County Tree with planting and education at Platte Ridge Park. Further, the great blue heron was

deemed the county’s Resident Bird, and the ruby-throated hummingbird was recognized as the Migrating Platte County Bird, as part of the Wings Over Weston native bird educational presentation.

Medill cites other notable events held to commemorate the 175th anniversary.

“Approximately 20 separate events have highlighted some of the more notable sides of history,” he says. “In addition to several historical displays at the Ben Ferrel Museum, and a George Park display at Park University, there have been significant programs such as a 1940s TWA Hangar reunion.”

Several hundred people attended a recreation of the Running With Bonnie & Clyde Red Crown symposium and road tour, where artifacts were shown and Barrow relatives spoke at the Zona Rosa Improv Theater.

“The Civil War Battle of Camden Point was recognized with a remembrance ceremony at Pleasant Grove Cemetery with re-enactors and a marching parade,” Medill says.

The Weston Community Theater troupe presented the Cemetery Stroll into the Past and recognized historical graves at the Laurel Hill Cemetery. The American Indian Influence in Platte County was a four-day educational program at Park University. The program included film documentaries, storytelling, dancing, drumming, foods and crafts, and cultural demonstrations by the Ioway tribe from White Cloud, Kans.

Platte County Historical and Genealogical Society Executive Secretary Betty Soper, who is also curator of the Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum, says, “The Society and Museum have been very happy to have been included in the year’s celebration. Of course, the Society’s main purpose is to preserve the county’s history. The celebration has been amazing and it helps younger people remember our history.”

The museum’s exhibitions this year included a display of special collections and Platte County photographs. The Society also sponsored the county’s Historical Homes Tour.

Soper cites several significant facts that shaped Platte County’s economic livelihood. She notes, “At one time, Platte County grew 92 percent of all tobacco in the state of Missouri.”

“Weston started as a major riverfront town,” she says. It was CONTINUED >

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

41

75 YEAARS (CONTINUED) the second largest port on the Missouri river at one point, bigger than Kansas City and St. Joseph, until natural events affected its economic future. “The 1881 flood made the river change course.”

Soper references the Platte Purchase that led to the formation of the county. Here’s a brief history primer. Lewis and Clark explored the territory, occupied by the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indians, during their 1803-1806 expedition. Modern-day Platte County began as a $7,500 government land purchase from the tribes. Of the six counties acquired in The Platte Purchase, the most southern portion was named Platte County after the Platte River. The county was formally organized on December 31, 1838, and Platte City was established as the county seat. The county was divided into 13 townships including Camden Point, Parkville, Salem, Miller and Weston.

For another version of the county’s history, consider Matthew Silber’s new book, Platte County’s History Illustrated.

This clever book examines significant events with one-page illustrations.

“My goal with this book is for people of all ages to be drawn into the powerful story of Platte County history through the colorful, dramatic ‘graphic novel’ format,” says Silber.

The book draws on the 1897 writings of

a man identified as Mr. Paxton, who lived through and recorded the events of the day that impacted the county and region. The book’s illustrations depict hardships of pioneer families, the horrifying impact of Civil War upon the community, Jesse James, grasshopper invasions, Native Americans, the arrival of the phone, the temperance movement and more.

These natural and economic developments from long ago shaped – and continue to impact – the direction of Platte County. The 175th anniversary events provide a lively version of history beyond school books. This living history helps to educate new generations about their native predecessors and the land and to deepen a connection to the community where residents live and work.

The 175th Visual Arts Display titled, “Platte County: 175 Years!” and the Finale Anniversary Concert takes place on October 26 at 2 p.m. inside the Wilson Center for the Performing Arts at Platte County R-3 High School, 1501 Branch Street.

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History 101

Union Station Kansas City Continues to Write a Rare Success Story ARTICLE PROVIDED | PHOTOGRAPHY ROY INMAN AND PROVIDED

A

gainst the odds, Kansas City’s historic train station – third largest in the U.S. when opened in 1914 -- survives and thrives as special events and new exhibits are prepared for Centennial Celebration.

In the early 1900’s, a group of visionary entrepreneurs and 12 railroad company leaders came together to formulate a grand plan, a railroad station to rival any in the United States and beyond. The unlikely location for such a monument was to be along a small creek (OK Creek) which meandered at the edge of a dusty, burgeoning downtown Kansas City.

In 1911, construction began on the massive station, designed in the BeauxArts architectural style by Chicago architect, Jarvis Hunt. Nearly four years 44

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

later, on October 30, 1914, Union Station opened to the public. Just after midnight on the morning of Nov. 1, the first train, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Flyer, steamed into Union Station.

Costing nearly $6 million, and part of an expansive $50 million investment by Kansas City Terminal Railroad, Union Station was declared by the Kansas City Star to be “a magnificent building, elaborate in proportions and monumental in appearance.”

Immediately, Union Station became a regional hub for commerce and transportation. It also became Kansas City’s civic center for major events and celebrations.

The phrase, “meet me under the clock” was coined as it was a unique point of reference inside the massive Union Station.

The Station measured two blocks across the front façade, 850,000 square feet, and included a 17-acre campus with all variety of support facilities.

Total rail traffic peaked in 1917 during WWI, with 79,368 trains passing through Union Station, including 271 in one day alone.

In 1945, again during WWII, passenger traffic hit a record of 678,363 travelers through Union Station, many of who were uniformed military on their way home from overseas duty. What followed for Union Station were decades of intense use, famous visits and occurrences and, eventually, a long decline that would challenge even the brightest business leaders to keep the wrecking balls away, as was the unfortunate fate for far too many of the nation’s grand train stations.

In 1996, voters on both sides of the state line voted overwhelmingly for a sales tax to save, restore and redevelop the neglected and boarded-up Union Station. This bi-state tax, thought to be the first of its kind in the United States, infused $118 million into the project. Determination and a grand vision again shaped a story of success that is now a monument known and beloved across the Midwest and beyond. Too many stories from the “Golden Age” of railroading have ended in regret.

Not in Kansas City.

Today, 1 million people annually walk the marble floors of Union Station, dine in her restaurants, attend meetings, shape future science and technology, and conduct the businesses of living, learning and leveraging our collective and diverse histories.

People from all walks of life still line up, with queues often reaching into Grand Hall itself, to catch a train and travel across the plains, along rivers, over mountains and to destinations made equally special by the rhythm of the tracks.

Union Station is a survivor. A young Ernest Hemingway and Walter Cronkite—both of whom found their footings at Union Station—forever held special affection for this architectural masterpiece. Jazz greats Count Basie and Charlie Parker paid their dues here before finding international status. Fats Waller died on a train stopped at Union Station. Presidents Eisenhower and Truman made their ways through crowds of supporters in Grand Hall. Even the infamous Kansas City Massacre of 1933

– involving Frank ‘Jelly’ Nash and several federal agents – added dramatic moments to the station’s story.

And, this magnificent and monumental example from the “Golden Age” of railroading still has many stories to tell.

Included in the unique and important Centennial activities are: • October 30 – Centennial Gala The once-in-a-lifetime exclusive dinner event, celebrating the Station’s history in grand style with worldclass entertainment • October 31 – Opening of the Union Station 100-year Historical Exhibition The unveiling of the permanent exhibit that shares Union Station’s 100year history • November 1 & 2 – Open House & Re-dedication of Union Station Featuring history tours, sneak peeks of new attractions, entertainment from past and present, and historical trains on display

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

45

Page Turners

16thingsithoughtweretrue WRITTEN BY JANET GURTLER REVIEWED BY TRACY SULLIVAN

T

he Young Adult (YA) Fiction novel 16thingsithoughtweretrue touches upon themes that are relevant to readers of all ages.

This well written story is at various times humorous, romantic and heartbreakingly realistic.

Morgan McLean is a 17-year-old high school student dealing with the aftermath of an embarrassing video of her which went viral on YouTube. She is spending her summer working at a gift concession at an amusement park to raise money for her college fund. One day at work she befriends two unlikely allies. Adam is the teenaged manager of the concession stand next to hers, and is also her supervisor. Morgan thinks he is uptight and nerdy. Amy is another park employee and she harbors a secret crush on Adam.

She also has another very big secret.

Though Morgan is close to her mother, she has grown up without a father, and her mom has steadfastly refused to tell her even his name. After a medical scare, her mom finally shares his name and the town where he lives. Morgan and her newfound pals, Adam and Amy, set out on a road trip adventure across the border into Canada so Morgan can confront the father she never knew.

Along the way, the friends encounter mishaps such as a flat tire and a missed ferry. Amy, a child of wealth, must adapt to staying at a hostel instead of a five star hotel. The teens experience unexpected joys as they bond with each other and learn the true meaning of friendship.

The characters in 16thingsithoughtweretrue are all well developed, flaws and all. Part of Morgan’s charm is the fact that she has imperfections, and her friends and family members aren’t afraid to point out her shortcomings. She obsesses over her phone and keeps a constant eye on the number of her Twitter followers. Al-

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

though her behavior is caused in great part because of her insecurities and shyness, others see her as being snobbish or aloof. Amy and Adam, as well as the other characters, discover things about each other and themselves that they never expected.

Social media sites such as Twitter and YouTube figure prominently in this novel. The use of Twitter is a contemporary, creative way of advancing the story. Each chapter is given a title written in Twitter format, for example; “Likeability can be measured by how many followers you have online. #thingsithoughtweretrue” or “In the end, people get what they deserve. #thingsithoughtweretrue.”

The author doesn’t tack on a fairy tale feel-good ending, wrapping things up with a neat bow. She presents life in the way that a typical teenager might – feelings of insecurity, shame and loneliness. Gurtler also presents hurdles that people of all ages must deal with such as illness, online media and family dysfunction.

The themes are so universal that I was deep into the story before I realized it was a Young Adult novel. I never expected to enjoy a Young Adult book, so I was pleasantly surprised by 16thingsithoughtweretrue. The characters are extremely likable and believable. The novel may be an easy, speedy read for adults, but the authentic dialogue and compelling story would make it appealing to all readers.

Many book clubs enjoy choosing a YA book each year in an attempt to keep up with what their children and grandchildren are reading or might enjoy. This would be an ideal choice.

Janet Gurtler is also the author of I’m Not Her, If I Tell, Who I Kissed and How I Lost You.

Animal Tracks PAWSITIVELY GOOD PARTY MANNERS

• Before guests arrive, practice “leave it” or a similar command.

This is useful to help pets avoid candy or food they might encounter on the ground. Trainers can help you get it down right.

• Establish a rule that guests don’t feed the dog – candy or human food. A new interactive toy or long-lasting rawhide may keep your pup busy and out of temptation's way. Many ingredients commonly found in Halloween candy can be harmful to your pet. For example, xylitol, found in gum and candy can cause dangerously low blood sugar or liver disease in dogs. Chocolate can create a range of symptoms, from vomiting to abnormal heart rhythm to death. Even snacks that are healthy for humans, such as raisins can cause a toxic reaction.

Safe Halloween Fun with Pets I

• Prevent your dog from running out an open door by working on a “stay” command. PetSmart’s expert trainer Debbie McKnight explains how to teach this trick: Ask your dog to sit, and praise him when he obeys. While your dog is sitting, say “stay” and place your hand flat with your palm facing the dog. Wait 2-3 seconds then give your dog a treat. You can increase the time he stays by a couple of seconds every three repetitions, working up to 30 seconds.

• If you aren’t confident about your dog’s abilities, keep him on a leash while the doorbell is ringing.

COSTUME COMFORT AND SAFETY

ncluding pets in your family’s Halloween festivities can be a fun addition to your celebration. However, with all the excitement comes the chance for pets to get into danger or trouble. You can head off potential problems and enjoy an evening of fun with some safety tips and smart planning.

Keeping your pet away from candy and other Halloween treats is especially important because so many favorites include chocolate, which is potentially toxic for dogs. It’s also an ideal time to practice obedience commands with your four-legged friends, as crowds of unfamiliar people, costumes and lots of open doors can create temptations too hard to resist.

To include your furry family members while still keeping them safe during the fun, follow this advice from the pet experts at PetSmart:

• A costume should never constrain or bother your pet. If your pet isn’t comfortable, try a strap-on costume that attaches loosely with snaps or around the pet, or find other ways to look festive such as Pet Expressions, available in the PetSmart grooming salon.

TRICK-OR-TREATING TOGETHER

For more tips on pet safety, as well as costumes and events, visit your local

• Before hitting the streets, make sure your dog is socialized around kids, adults and other animals.

PetSmart or PetSmart.com/halloween.

• Once a costume fits properly, make sure your pet won’t trip on anything like a cape or ribbon. Check for little parts within chewing distance and keep identification tags on collars.

• Throughout the evening, watch your pet and make adjustments as needed. You may need to cut or remove portions of the costume to increase a pet’s comfort. The most important part of the evening is your pet’s safety.

• Bring water and treats such as crunchy Blue Buffalo Boo Bars to reward your dog for good behavior and reduce the desire to go for kids’ candy.

• Increase nighttime visibility with LED leashes, collars or harnesses, or look for the light-up Halloween outfits available at PetSmart this year.

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

47

Field Trip

Build Smiles at Lego Land and Sea Life Discovery Centers ARTICLE RYAN ROSSER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I

magination can take you anywhere. Ride on the back of a giant crab while sharks swim all around, or set sail on a massive pirate ship built to soar amongst the clouds. Lego Land and Sea Life at Crown Center in Kansas City are built upon the bricks of imagination.

For our adventure, we purchased advance combo tickets online at LegoLandDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity. Combo adult tickets are priced at $29 each, child tickets (ages 3-12) are $23, and children 2 or younger are free. This was perfect for our family of five: both parents, a 3-year old, a barely under 2-year old, and a newborn.

We had concerns about our kids’ ages as we prepared for our young crew’s outing. Once we arrived, though, all worries floated away. Expediting our wait in line, advanced ticket purchases and annual pass holders are put on the fast track to entry. This was a boon! In addition, our combo tickets allowed us to visit Lego Land and Sea Life on different days within a 14-day period.

Our kids drooled when we entered Lego Land, which quickly whisked us away into a world of creation and play. To start, we strolled through an interactive miniature version of Kansas City and the world of Oz. Excitement built: this was just the beginning.

Giant pits full of Lego and Duplo bricks pocked the area, but we started with the rides.We zapped spiders and other beasties on the Kingdom Quest Laser ride, and helped Merlin build his magical energies as Merlin’s Apprentices.

After exhausting our children in the Lego City Play Zone, we thought it prudent to feed them. Though small, the cafe provided multiple meal and snack choices for adults and children. The combo meals ($5 each for children and $8 each for adults) included a sandwich, choice in bottled drink and choice in fruit or chips.

Fully recharged, I took our older children into the cinema for a 15-minute visual adventure. The 3D show became 4D as it teased all our senses with the added effects of wind and water. The smile across my son’s face was worth every moment.

CONTINUED >

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

EuroPottery

The Polish Pottery Specialty Company

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Autumn is in the air!

Practice fields for soccer, lacrosse, baseball/softball are also available for rent.

TAZ also offers concessions, a sports lounge and bar, a music system and adult fitness programs.

The EuroPottery Shop has pieces and patterns to match every style.

Visit our unique boutique venue!

TAZ is located at 8201 NW 97th Terrace, just north of Zona Rosa at I-29 and Tiffany Springs Parkway.

209 Delaware Historic Downtown Leavenworth

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October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

49

Field Trip

(CONTINUED)

Nominated for Small Business of the Year Greater Kansas City.

Before leaving, we built racecars, tested them down ramps and then visited the Duplo Village. We discovered inexpensive fun for the whole family at Lego Land.

Days later, we cashed in on the other half of our combo tickets. Our Sea Life adventure began with an online glance at VisitSeaLife. com/KansasCity to plan our trip. With our advanced tickets, we walked right in to begin exploring the 13 themed zones, including the Shipwreck and the Seahorse Temple.

The aquarium mesmerized our children, while we parents enjoyed the exciting Fin Facts posted throughout. We felt

816-584-8009

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

prickly urchins and bumpy starfish in the Touching Pools and stared in awe as sharks and stingrays glided over us in the Underwater Ocean Tunnel.

Sea Life is an educational journey filled with wonder. It is a calmer option than Lego Land for days that don’t call for explosive energy. Both attractions exit through the gift shop where additional discounts are offered for annual pass holders.

An ocean of memories was built, brick by brick, at Lego Land and Sea Life. Our children, weeks later, are still asking to return. And if I’m honest, I am, too.

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

51

Style Wise

Active Wear Made Just for Girls O

n the field, in the gym or on the court, Dragonwing girlgear is changing athletics as we know it. Dragonwing girlgear wants to empower girls to play their best without worrying about their changing figure or body image through age-appropriate sports attire and underwear including bras, camies, compression shorts and accessories. They are all designed specifically to fit a girl’s figure and to meet the technical demand of the sports she plays.

Girls love the appealing, excellent fit, design and technical performance presented in a fun, empowering style of sportswear.

Dragonwing girlgear was developed by a soccer mom who wanted to help her daughter find a supportive but comfortable line

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

of underwear and help her feel confident… so she could spend her time thinking about the game, rather than her undergarments.

Dragonwing fabrics provide UV 50 protection. The moisture-wicking feature is part of the fabric, not topical treatment, so it won’t wear away with washing. Mesh shorts and racer bra will keep girls cool, even under clothes. DragonwingGirl.com

Driver’s Notebook

Porsche Macan is the Sports Car of SUVs ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

I

t only takes a few blocks behind the wheel of the Macan S to realize that Porsche has created a compelling car that marries the performance of a sports sedan, the versatility of a wagon and the off-road capability of an SUV. There is nothing quite like it at the moment, and that puts it in a class of one.

Macan, Indonesian for tiger, could well become one of the best-selling vehicles in the Porsche lineup. It certainly is off to a fast start. The first year’s production is sold out, so buyers will have to wait several months for delivery. In the meantime, Porsche is offering buyers short-term leases on a Boxster or a Cayman while they wait.

The Macan S has a black sideblade in the lower rocker panel that is supposed to have a stylistic connection to the 918 Spyder. For me, however, it disrupts the continuity of design in lighter colors. The sideblade is body color on the Turbo, and that is optional on the S. The Macan, derived from the chassis platform of an Audi Q5, is pure Porsche because performance comes first. There are two models: Macan S and Macan Tur-

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

bo. The S has a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6 with 340 horsepower while the Turbo has a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter V-6 with 400 horsepower. Prices start at $49,900 for the S and $72,300 for the Turbo.

I drove a Macan S for a couple of days.

I was impressed by the Macan’s Lexus-like lack of wind and road noise, even when zipping well past the speed limit.

The audio system could be played at a soft volume even at 70 mph.

One sound that can be heard is the engine. Under acceleration the exhaust has hints of a 911. It is loud enough to deliver a tingle when the throttle is opened, quiet at cruising speed.

The 340 horsepower of the S is more than adequate. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and has a top track speed of 156 mph. The Turbo hits 60 in 4.6 seconds and has a top track speed of 164 mph. Fuel economy is rated at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway.

The transmission is a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic that can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel.

The Macan’s sports sedan handling comes in part because the rear wheels are one inch wider than those in front and the all-wheel-drive system is biased toward the rear wheels. It corners as well or better than any SUV I can recall. In low-traction situations such as snow or ice, power is diverted to the front wheels as needed.

Porsche offers two optional suspension packages. One is the PRICE The base price of the test car was $49,900. Options inPorsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with Comfort, cluded a trailer hitch, center wheel caps with the Porsche crest, Sport and Sport Plus settings. The second is an air suspension that in- Walnut wood trim, blind spot monitor, Bose surround sound, 14cludes height adjustment and leveling. The air suspension lowers the way power seats, navigation, premium plus package and the sport vehicle slightly in Sport Plus mode or raises the vehicle for off-road use. chrono package. The sticker price was $64,640.

Typical of Porsche, the brakes are big and strong.

The cabin has a seating position that feels more like a sedan WARRANTY Four years or 50,000 miles. than an SUV. The console, designed like that of the Cayenne or Panamera, creates a cockpit feeling because it contains several Contact Tom Strongman at TStrongman@gmail.com. buttons and switches for climate and vehicle settings. The instrumentation is similar to those of the 911 or Boxster. My only AT A GLANCE wish was that the numerals were lighted all the time because POINT: The Macan is a compact SUV that performs and handles like they were a bit dim in certain situations. Fortunately there’s a a sports sedan. It sits atop a segment that is bound to grow as more manufacturers offer similar products. digital speed readout at the bottom The ride is smooth, the cabin is quiet of the center-mounted tachometer.

2015 PORSCHE MACAN S and the seating position feels like that The car I drove had the optional ENGINE: 3.0-liter, 340-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 of a sedan.

14-way power seats and they were TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed automatic, all-wheel excellent. Under-thigh support was drive COUNTERPOINT: The base price is comadjustable, and so was the fore-aft WHEELBASE: 110.5 inches petitive, but many items such as orientation of the headrest.

CURB WEIGHT: 4,112 to 4,641 pounds navigation and blind-spot monitor The split folding rear seat gives BASE PRICE: $49,900 are optional, and that boosts the several cargo options. Backseat legAS DRIVEN: $64,640 price considerably. room was not overly generous.

MPG RATING: 17 in the city, 23 on the highway

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Goodbye Parkville.

We are terribly sad to say that new ownership of the building has forced us to say farewell to our 14-year tenancy in Historic Downtown Parkville.

We will miss our beautiful location and seeing all of you – the many wonderful customers and neighbors who have enjoyed the quality and selection of the artists we represent. But don’t be blue, we can bring the gallery to you.

Hello River’s Bend Gallery at Home!

If you are already on our e-mail list or a gallery rewards member, you will receive notification of our new website and personal home services – coming soon!

If you are not on the list, contact us at either phone number or e-mail address below and sign up now.

Thank you for appreciating art and fine craft and for shopping at River’s Bend Gallery.

IN COMINGBE R N OV E M ia phone Order ev-m ail. or arties Home gpro p and tsu. even

Questions or Comments?

Info@LifestylePubs.com ~ 913.599.4300

Watch for our new name and location announcement in 2015.

North American Art & Fine Crafts 816-587-8070, riversbendgallery@sbcglobal.net or 816-452-6320, kbcreates@pobox.com October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle RBG-Lifestyle-Oct2014.indd 1

55

9/15/14 3:32:23 PM

Healthy Lifestyle

Smart Snacking Tips for Better Health S

nacks are a common aspect of most Americans’ daily diets. Although you may feel like stealing nibbles between meals is a guilt-worthy offense, making smart snacking choices can actually contribute to a healthy eating plan.

According to a recent survey conducted by ORC International, snacking is as American as apple pie. Nearly all Americans (98 percent) have snacked at least once in the last two weeks, and the majority consumes one to two snacks every day.

You may be surprised to learn that these habits are actually supported by leading health experts. According to staff at The Mayo Clinic, most well-planned diets allow for snacks between meals to help fight hunger. Numerous other experts advocate snacks as a way to manage food intake throughout the day, which keeps your metabolism running strong and helps you avoid over-eating at any one meal.

If you’re like the majority of participants in the recent snacking survey, calories, portability and nutritional content, such as protein and fiber, are top considerations when choosing a snack.

Moderation and balance are also important to successful snacking. To be sure you’re never caught without a smart snacking option, consider these snacking survival tips: • Look for snacks that combine food groups for an extra nutrition punch. For example, pair a low-fat dairy product, such as yogurt or cottage cheese, with fresh fruit for a tasty and satisfying treat.

alternatives. Baked with pieces of real fruit and non-genetically modified ground whole soybeans, SOYJOY® is an all-natural, certified gluten-free snack bar available in seven delicious flavors.

Each bar offers the perfect combination of carbohydrates, plantbased protein and fiber for only 130-140 calories.

• When you need a little more to fill you up, opt for high-fiber and high-water foods. These options let you eat more volume without loading up the calories. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts are all good choices when you’re feeling extra hungry. Try 1/2 cup shelled edamame for a convenient, high-fiber snack.

• Keep quick, low-calorie snacks on hand. A large apple, three and a half cups of popcorn or a large handful of almonds (about 23) are all under 150 calories. The key is doing the math and measuring ahead of time so you’re not tempted to make a less healthy choice when you’re crunched for time and hunger strikes.

• Manage your sweet tooth with better-for-you snack options. Every diet has room for indulgences once in a while, but save those for special occasions. When you’re craving something sweet, fruit can often appease your taste buds. Reach for frozen bananas, grapes or even a baked apple sprinkled with cinnamon.

For more delicious snacking tips and recipes, visit soyjoy.com, like SOYJOY

• Don’t sacrifice calories for convenience. Many on-the-go bars are loaded with sugar and lack overall nutrition, but there are smart 56

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

on Facebook and follow @SOYJOYUS on Twitter.

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f& 913-432-7900 October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

57

What's Cooking?

Score a Touchdown This Football Season F

ootball season can only mean one thing – time to grab the best seat in the house, and we’re not talking about at the stadium.

In fact, 77 percent of Americans think the best seat in the house is at home in front of an HDTV, according to a recent survey

by McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand products. Instead of heading to the stadium, keep the tailgate at home and throw a “homegating” party.

The ultimate homegate is not only about the football game, it’s about the food. No matter what’s happening on the field, the spread can be the real game-changer. In fact, the survey found the following: • 78 percent of American adults think good food can make up for a bad game.

• Americans spend, on average, 42 percent of the game eating or drinking.

• Over half of Americans (57 percent) voted the grill as the most important appliance when hosting a homegate.

58

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

For a homegate touchdown, banish the boring and serve beer-infused chili, which is sure to please all your family, friends and football fans. For other ways to spice up game day, visit tabasco.com.

SUPER GOOD CHILI

Prep time: 15 minutes

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, optional Heat oil in 5-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add beef and cook until well browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove to bowl.

Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1 (12 ounce) can diced tomatoes • 2 (16 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed • 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 1 (12 ounce) can or bottle beer • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies • 1 tablespoon TABASCO brand Original Red Sauce

Add onion and garlic to drippings remaining in skillet; cook over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.

Return meat to saucepot; stir in cumin.

Cook 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes with liquid, pinto beans, red kidney beans, beer, green chilies, Tabasco Sauce and salt. Heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.

Serve with cheese, if desired.

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Northland Properties Subdivision

Average List Price

Average Sold Price

%List To Sold

DOM*

The National

$665,000

$628,250

94%

315

Tiffany Greens

$560,430

$562,617

100%

107

Copperleaf

$508,620

$516,743

102%

NC

Forest Ridge Estates

$527,269

$532,721

101%

NC

Tremont Manor

$575,000

$525,000

91%

56

Riss Lake

$499,700

$472,500

95%

389

Woodneath Farms

$449,904

$452,695

100%

19

North Shore

$500,000

$490,000

98%

39

Montebella

$499,700

$490,000

98%

NC

Staley Hills

$452,485

$452,485

100%

NC

Thousand Oaks

$411,529

$418,552

101%

19

Staley Farms

$470,780

$498,509

105%

NC

Briarcliff West

$389,450

$372,950

96%

181

Overland Ridge

$364,900

$364,900

100%

247

Aggregate Subdivision Sales per Heartland MLS 8/1/2014 – 9/1/2014 NC - New Construction

The National 6417 Augusta Place $2,150,000 MLS# 1899711

*Average Days on Market

Briarcliff West 4509 N Hickory Lane $1,349,000 MLS# 1881226

Kathleen Smerchek 816.589.0925

Russ Wolfe 816.564.4100

Connor Sweeney 816.217.7352

Ashley Sweeney 816.728.2253

Candi Sweeney 816.591.5590

Kristine Courtney 816.590.1664

www.WolfeSweeney.com

The National 6837 N National Drive $1,299,999 MLS# 1869777

Real Estate Mortgage Title Insurance

6300 N Lucerne Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64151 816.746.2777 October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

59

Lifestyle Calendar

October ing. Fans can enjoy a food and arts court anchored by some of KC’s leading vendors. Gates open at 11 a.m.

Festival.AmericanJazzMuseum.org

OCTOBER 12 BILL CROSS WALK/RUN 5K ZONA ROSA

Warm up with Zona Yoga before you tackle this fun 5K benefitting Feed Northland Kids. Register at RaceRoster.com/ events/2014/2915/bill-cross-5k.

OCTOBER 18 OPEN HOUSE

OCTOBER 4, 11, 18, 25

OCTOBER 11

SPOOKY FUN OCTOBER PUPPET SHOWS

HEART AND SOLE 5K

CROWN CENTER SHOPS ATRIUM

HAPPY ROCK PARK

A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region’s most exciting puppeteers. Scheduled to perform: Bob Kramer Marionettes (October 4), Paul Mesner Puppets (October 11), Clement McCrae Puppets (October 18), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (October 25). Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816.274.8444.

Join Tri-County Mental Health Services for the third annual Heart and Sole 5K run/walk. Proceeds from this event will support Tri-County’a Children’s Services 2014 Holiday Assistance Program. The event is also an opportunity to involve the community in raising awareness and reducing stigma for children and families challenged by mental illness. The event is held on the beautiful trail through parts of the original Maple Woods forest. You may signup online or download the registration form at Tri-CountyHeartAndSole5k.org.

OCTOBER 7 PARK UNIVERSITY GOLF SCRAMBLE THE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB OF KC

Join us for a round of golf to raise money for the athletic department. To register, visit Park.edu/Golf.

OCTOBER 9 BUNCO NIGHT GLADSTONE COMMUNITY CENTER

Come enjoy a fun, relaxing afternoon or evening playing the hottest dice game in town. With two sessions being held, there is enough room, prizes and fun for everyone!

Check-in starts at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. with the first roll of the dice at 1:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

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Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

CHIROPRACTIC KINESIOLOGY CLINIC

Come feel the power of touch! Explore our services and enjoy aromatouch, chair massage, and food and beverages.

OCTOBER 18 TWA MUSEUM 1940’S HANGAR DANCE KANSAS CITY

This 1940’s Hangar Dance is a benefit for the TWA Museum (10 Richards Rd) in the Signature Flight Services Hangar.

Enjoy music by the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra/ Come dressed in vintage military or civilian clothing or come as you are. Hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches and chips available for purchase as well as a cash bar. 816.234.1011

OCTOBER 11

OCTOBER 25

18TH & VINE JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL

SPOOKTACULAR OZ 2014

KANSAS CITY

FESTIVAL SHELTER @ MACKEN PARK

The 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival returns with a terrific lineup of performers and plenty of momentum from last year when more than 10,000 attended the award-winning, one-day event. The festival is designed to be a diverse experience for jazz and blues lovers of all ages. There will be multiple stages with more than 22 artists or groups perform-

Fun for the whole family with games, inflatables, hay rides, pumpkin decorating, face painters, balloon artists, prizes and more!

All activities are free and open to the public. Food carts will be available to purchase lunch and snacks. Sponsored by NKC Parks & Recreation and The Center.

OCTOBER 25

OCTOBER 31

TRUNK OR TREAT

MURDER AT THE MASQUERADE

AVONDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

VISIONS KC

Come celebrate the harvest with a safe and family friendly trick or treating session in the front parking lot.

Join us for dinner, an interactive show, and masquerade ball complete with prizes. For more information, visit VisionsKC.com or call 816.841.2353.

NOVEMBER 3 JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS OFF CENTER THEATRE, CROWN CENTER

The songs of Jacques Brel, written and performed by him in Paris, were powerful, violent, passionate songs of the human spirit, with each one like a small theater piece. Musical Theater Heritage will present an evening of Brel’s most beloved songs, including Amsterdam, If We Only Had Love, Jacky, Ne Me Quitte Pas, and more.

Tickets starting at $22. 816.545.6000 or MTHKC.com.

NOVEMBER 8 CHAMPAGNE AND CHOCOLATE THE HOME OF JENNY AND WARREN ERDMAN, WARD PARKWAY

OCTOBER 31 SAFE TRICK OR TREAT ZONE ZONA ROSA

Safe Trick-or-Treat is a program coordinated in conjunction with the Northland Coalition and Kansas City Police Department. Area children can take part in safe trick-or-treating at night on Halloween with free candy, giveaways, an interactive haunted house, games and more.

Families are invited to come in costume but costumes are not necessary. As one of the largest Safe Trick-or-Treat program in the Northland, many children and families are expected to attend The Grove at Zona Rosa for the event. ZonaRosa.com or NorthlandHalloween.org.

Please join us for an amazing array of chocolate desserts and savories provided by Kansas City’s top restaurants, bakeries, and chocolatiers! Proceeds benefit Southwest Boulevard Family Healthcare which provides over one million dollars of charity care annually to the surrounding communities in both Kansas and Missouri. Reservations and sponsorships are available at SWBFHC.org.

10/31/14.

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

61

Business Directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE Wild Birds Unlimited (816) 415-4303 wbu.com libertymo

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Art & Frame Warehouse (816) 584-8009 afwkc.com Rivers Bend Gallery (816) 587-8070 riverbendgalleries.com

Burleson Orthodontics (816) 533-7566 burlesonorthodontics.com

Hot Spot Pools & Spas, LLC (816) 781-8884 libertyhottub.com

HOME SERVICES

Dentistry for Children (816) 548-3400 kidsdentistkc.com

Visions KC (816) 820-2541 visionskc.com

All Season Roofing (816) 213-8804 asrkc.com

Jim Anderson, DDS (816) 454-3336 jimandersondds.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

KC Wood (913) 422-3320 kcwood.com

EDUCATION

AUTOMOTIVE

Precision Collision Center (816) 781-9630 precisioncollisionkc.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

College Nannies & Tutors (816) 256-5907 collegenanniesandtutors.com Northland Catholic Schools (816) 453-3450 stpiusxhs-kc.com

Junior League of Kansas City (816) 444-2112 holidaymartkc.com

Park University (888) 319-9522 park.edu/jclm

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Antioch Dental Group (816) 452-9700 fredbaileydds.com Berry Sousa Dental (816) 746-5437 sousafamilydental.com

All About Dance (816) 436-1159 allaboutdancebykatye.com Foutch Athletics/ Tiffany Athletic Zone (816) 746-9100 foutchathletics.com

Advanced Home Energy (816) 737-3500

Citizens Bank & Trust (816) 459-4000 ebankcbt.com

Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com

Community America (913) 905-7000 cacu.com

Rock And Wall Landscape (816) 392-7262 rockandwalllandscape.com

Equity Bank (816) 587-4322 equitybank.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS North Kansas City Community Center (816) 300-0531 nkccc.org

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Tile & Stone Warehouse (913) 432-7900 tileandstonewarehouse.com Two Blind Girls (816) 505-5515 budgetblindskc.com

Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Mosaic Life Care (816) 437-8122 mymosaiclifecare.org

CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY IN YOUR

JACUZZI HOT TUB 2101 Kara Ct. Liberty, MO 64068

COME IN TODAY AND SEE YOUR JACUZZI HOT TUB

(816)781-8884

Kansas City’s Premier Jacuzzi Hot Tub Dealer 62

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

LIBERTYHOTTUB.COM KCBBQSOURCE.COM

Our Profit to The People Lab introduces:

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This low rate will only be around through October, so visit cacu.com/heloc or call 913.905.3798 and let us help you harness the power of your equity today.

Federally insured by NCUA.*Introductory annual percentage rate (“APR”) for well-qualified borrowers at a maximum Loan to Value ratio (“LTV”) of 80%. Additional introductory rates and variable rate

may be available for higher LTVs. Contact the credit union for details. Introductory HELOC rate as low as 1.99% APR for the first year, then the APR will vary for the remaining life of the loan. As of 9/1/14, this variable HELOC APR would have been 4.00% APR for 80% LTV. For the HELOC, the Prime Rate is subject to a minimum of 4.00%, and the maximum APR is 18%. Home Equity Loan rate also available as low as 3.75% APR. Rates are based on the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal Money Rates Table plus a margin. Stated rate includes a 0.25% discount for Automatic Payments from a CommunityAmerica Checking account and a 0.25% discount for enrolling in CommunityAmerica’s Online Banking and eStatements. Automatic payments must be set up when loan is opened. Home value is based on a full appraisal, which is required, at the member’s expense. Property must be a single family home and owner-occupied. Property insurance will be required. Line amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000. Offer not available to members who have an existing HELOC with us. Early loan termination fees may apply. Contact a tax advisor concerning tax-deductibility. Home Equity products available in Kansas and Missouri only. Kansas residents are required to pay state mortgage tax of $2.60 per $1,000 of mortgage filed. Limited time offers subject to credit approval. Offers subject to change or may expire without notice. Promotion ends 10/31/14. The benefits of a loan for debt consolidation depend on individual circumstances and actual debt payments. Speak with a credit union representative to determine whether a loan to consolidate debt is the best option for you.

Business Directory Meritas Health (816) 474-1333 meritashealth.com North Kansas City Hospital (816) 691-5485 nkch.org/cancercare Pediatric Care North (816) 587-3200 pediatriccarenorth.com Saint Luke’s MidAmerica Heart institute golifekc.org Saint Luke's North Hospital (816) 891-CARE saintlukeshealthsystem.org/ CFWC Weston Family Clinic & Medical Spa (816) 640-2762 wfcmedspa.com

OTHER

Cates Auction & Realty Company, Inc. (816) 781-1134 catesauction.com Meyers Funeral Chapel (816) 741-0251 meyersfuneralchapel.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

RE/MAX Results Preferred Properties (816) 777-5447 preferredpropertieskc.com The Rob Ellerman Team Reece & Nichols Realtors (816) 304-4434 therobellermanteam.com Wolfe-Sweeney & Associates LLC (816) 746-2777 wolfesweeney.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE

Cascone’s Restaurant & Lounge (816) 454-7977 cascones.com Rusty Horse Tavern (816) 746-5400 rustyhorsetavern.com Stone Canyon Pizza Company (816) 746-8686 stonecanyonpizza.com

SALONS & SPAS Skin Solutions KC (816) 587-5299 skinsolutionskc.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff (816) 888-7930 mccritekc.com Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center LLC (816) 741-5105 riversidenursingandrehab.com Senior Helpers (816) 455-9300 seniorhelpers.com/kansascitynorth The Gardens at Barry Road (816) 584-3200 bethesdaseniorliving.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS The Euro Pottery Shop (913) 680-0806 europottery.com

The Kansas City Steak Company (877) 347-8325 kansascitysteaks.com

Located at The View @ Briarcliff

VisionsKC.com - Email: Info@VisionsKC.com 64

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

When Does My Parent Need Assisted Living?

• The refrigerator is empty or filled with spoiled food or your parent is losing weight. These may be signs that they aren’t eating well because shopping or cooking is difficult.

• You notice frequent bruises, although your parent may try to cover them up. This may be a sign of falling or mobility and balance problems.

• Your parent wears the same clothes over and over again or neglects personal hygiene. This can indicate that doing laundry and bathing is physically challenging.

• Your parent forgets things, including doctor’s appointments and when to take medication. This may be due to memory loss.

• You notice strange or inappropriate behavior. For example, your parent may dress inappropriately for the weather. This can be a sign that your parent is experiencing confusion.

The Gardens at Barry Road • Assisted Living & Memory Care 8300 N.W. Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO 64153-1634

(816) 584-3200 • www.BethesdaSeniorLiving.com

The best dental experience for children and adolescents from 0-18!

Come visit us at our fun, new location!

7001 N. Cherry St, Suite 100 Gladstone, Missouri 64118

Liberty Location: 113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 201, Liberty, Missouri 64068

816-548-3400 kidsdentistkc.com Louis A. Pollina DDS, Brandi K Roeber DDS Ryan A. Francois DDS, Laura Walden DDS (Teen dentist)

October 2014 | Northland Lifestyle

65

Parting Thoughts

Gameday WORDS ANNE POTTER RUSS

“I

t’s just a game!” That would be the normal refrain in our house on any given day that promised a Kansas City sporting event during the last 25-plus years. Surely you all know the feeling. The Royals’ one and only World Series win came in 1985 thank you, George Brett. The Chiefs haven’t held the Super Bowl trophy since 1969 - thanks, Len Dawson (I was in fourth grade, for heaven’s sake). The old soccer team, the Wizards, won the MLS Cup in 2000 (at least it was this century). And for those of us old enough to remember, there was a basketball team - the Kansas City Kings. That poor team had to split their time in the 70s and 80s between KC and Omaha. Who can win when you don’t even have one city to call your own?

But in 2013 and 2014, the sports stars have lined up, all eyes (Irish and otherwise) are smiling upon us, Murphy’s Laws have been broken, and Kansas City is rocking the sports world! Starting with a successful Chiefs’ season - with a new general manager, a new coach, a new quarterback, and renewed love from the fans, our much-maligned (understandably) boys took us back to a playoff appearance after a dismal previous 2-14 season.

Then, in 2013 Sporting KC claimed the Major League Soccer 66

Northland Lifestyle | October 2014

Championship Cup with a fantastic win over Real Salt Lake in penalty kicks. And, to top that off, our own Graham Zusi and Matt Besler played in the FIFA World Cup competition, representing the USA! As if that weren’t enough, Mr. Besler wrote a love letter to our town when he signed his multi-year contract, professing his desire to stay in Kansas City. Oh, be still our hearts... what a class act.

And, as of this writing, the Royals are poised for greatness.

They are still ahead in the American League - central, and they have more skill and confidence than they’ve had for 29 years.

That’s a lot of hot dogs. The boys in blue have found their mojo, and we are riding the wave with them, so happy to be part of a season that has been a long time in the making.

So, this year, it isn’t just a game. It’s a fun-filled, rock-androll, put-on-your-cowboy-boots, your-voice-is-hoarse-fromcheering, high-five, fist-pump, happy, kind of time. Get out there and support every team we have. Bang the drums, wear the gear, fly the colors, just support the pros who are all working hard for Kansas City.

It’s a great time to be a fan!

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4135 N. Mulberry Drive • Kansas City, MO 64116

816-533-7566

Four Area Metro Locations: Kansas City • Liberty • Excelsior Springs • Raymore